The Midnight Sun evolved from the older Harvest Moon Cottage
whose very small footprint allows for economical construction and lower
environmental impact. It is ideal for small lots. With three levels including
the sunny daylight basement, there is a possible 2742 square feet of living
area. The north front of the home with its bay stairwell, window boxes,
and small porch add just enough charm to keep this otherwise simple-shaped
house from looking plain. Two types of siding and curved knee braces add
a touch of Victorian detailing.

Colors, materials, and decorating preferences, as well as possible
variations from the drawings, may be reflected in the above images and
photos - some of which may have been provided by one or more home owners.

The Midnight Sun evolved from the older previous Harvest Moon Cottage
whose very small footprint allows for economical construction and lower
environmental impact. It is ideal for small lots. With three levels including
the sunny daylight basement, there is a possible 2742 square feet of living
area. The north front of the home with its bay stairwell, window boxes,
and small porch add just enough charm to keep this otherwise simple-shaped
house from looking plain. Two types of siding and curved knee braces add
a touch of Victorian detailing.

First Floor

Both family and guests use the same airlock foyer. The stained-glass
door and windows along with built-in shelves add character to this practical
entry to the home. The great room features a hearth. The high glass-front
cabinets above the breakfast bar between the dining area and kitchen allow
for a slight visual separation without blocking your view of the south
window box. The west sunroom porch is designed to have the windows closed
in winter, yet open in summer to become a screened porch. West trees keep
out the hot afternoon summer sun yet do not block the winter solar gain.

Second Floor

The delightful staircase leads up to the second floor where three sunny
bedrooms and two charming baths. The lower end gables above the master
bedroom bed space and other closets save on house volume while adding
character. Extra eave storage is always welcome.

Daylight Basement

From the central stairs you access the lower level which will not be
a dark space if your land slopes to the south. With the door that isolates
it from upstairs, noise from a TV or stereo is minimized. The laundry
is beneath the laundry chute from the upper floors. The downstairs bedroom
is very private and the south walk-out door would make a nice in-laws
apartment.

Optional Garage

The two-vehicle garage with optional greenhouse should be located to
the northwest. A covered walkway could connect to the side of the front
porch.

Construction Info

The first floor and basement have 8' ceilings, but since there is plenty
of south glass, the rooms will not feel small. The second floor ceilings
are sloped with no attic space. High shelves and exposed rafter ties add
character. The foundation is ICF, upper floors are 6" studs, and rafter
sizes vary with insulation requirements. Custom Energy Recommendations
that come with Blueprints suggest changes to energy-related items such
as how much rigid insulation to use in addition to the stud wall and the
type of glass to use in your climate. The thermal mass is in the basement
floor, stone-covered wood stove hearth, and tile floors over gypsum cement
in the upper levels.

Modification Ideas

Since these may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they
should only be undertaken with professional assistance.

- Use structural insulated panels for the walls and roof
- For a larger great room, remove the porch and foyer walls

Thanks to Brian Knight, builder for sending us photos and providing the following comments, in addition to his willingness to show the home:

"I have built the house and it is performing better than expected.
The home has been featured on two solar home tours of WNC (western North
Carolina) and will continue to be as long as I own it. Myself and others
feel it is the best design on the tour.

www.springtimehomes.com
features the home and is set up as an educational website as much as a
sales tool. If you have anybody interested in touring one of your completed
homes I would be happy to do so for free (as long as I own it). It has
displays throughout the home and is a great tool for giving people a hands
on display of green building."

Thank you to Jane for the photos of her Midnight Sun
home (also reversed) with the wall between the porch and living area
removed in order to take advantage of the gorgeous views to the mountains!
Here are a few comments:

"We haven't moved in yet, but I have camped out a few nights and
the house has such a nice happy feel to it. My builder was so impressed
with how well planned everything in the house was. He also initially thought
that we had had this house designed exclusively for ourselves rather than
customizing a plan because this house plan really fits the site... the
garden level (daylight basement level) look(s) from bedroom into family
room with view of Jotul woodstove. The backup heat for house consists
of two Jotul woodstoves as well as radiant electric cove heaters (Comfort
Cove system)."